We plugged in the television last night and sat back for an evening of politics and politico on CNN. As they announced Obama had clinched the nomination, the CNN panned to a video taken at a bar just down the street in our very excited city- where crowds of people cheered and celebrated the long-awaited end to a hotly contested primary. I think a lot of people felt both elation and a hint of sadness knowing one of our incredible candidates would not be nominated. And yet, Clinton gave little indication she was willing to concede despite the numbers. In fact, she acted as if she was this country’s last hope (to paraphrase).

That was a huge disappointment to me. I expected more from such a well-respected leader. I anticipated the same kind of speech given by Obama – one that accentuated the dedication of all this season’s candidates; a speech that might unify the party and the country. Instead, Clinton seemed unwilling to accept she did not win the nomination and rather than asking her supporters to stand with Obama, her words were often divisive.

I am proud of this country for throwing such enormous support behind both candidates regardless of race or gender. I’m thrilled to feel such excitement over a primary! What a feat for the Democratic party to not only have one remarkable candidate who beat the odds: We had two!

So regardless of what happens the rest of the week with the Clinton-Obama struggle, I’m proud today to be an American. And for the first time in my adult life, I believe the old wounds of this nation will be healed with the kind of unifying spirit Obama has brought to the ticket.